Your Top Questions About Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Answered

Upper Lid Blepharoplasty is an extremely common procedure that I do in the office in just one hour. I have done this procedure on many of my staff as well as patients.

As we get older, for almost all of us, our upper eyelid skin stretches and creates an overhang of extra skin. This gives us a tired look and heavy feeling to the upper eyelids. In some cases, if not corrected, it can interfere with your upper field of vision. However, for those younger than 70 or 80 years old, it is typically just a cosmetic concern.

Despite advertisement to the contrary, no skin cream is going to make the loose skin magically tighten up. We need to excise the redundant skin.

You cannot be cut and NOT have a scar, as that is how the body heals. However, the scar is usually very difficult to see (no scar is ever invisible). If you don’t have too much extra skin, the scar is completely hidden in the upper eyelid fold. If you have more skin, then the scar may continue laterally and extend into a crows feet line. This will be discussed at the time of your consult. These are some of the hardest scars to detect, which is one reason it is such a popular procedure.

I do all of my upper lid blepharoplasties in my office under local anesthetic, with a pill to help you relax. It literally takes one hour. You do need someone to drive you home from my office, as you absolutely cannot drive yourself following the procedure.

You should have virtually no pain. While I will prescribe you painkillers, it is very unlikely you will need anything stronger than Tylenol.

You will likely need to take 2 days off from work and apply lots of ice for these 2 days. You should sleep with 3-5 pillows for a week, so that your head is elevated above your heart.

Bruising is hard to predict. I have done many upper lid blepharoplasties with no bruising, but I certainly have had some patients bruise considerably. Everyone has to avoid aspirin, Bufferin and Excedrin etc for 10 days prior to surgery. We sell an Arnica supplement that you would start before surgery that may help with post-procedure bruising. However there is nothing that can guarantee you will not bruise. If you get bruises, it will last 2-3 weeks to subside, and will gradually track down your cheek. You can cover it with makeup. Everyone gets some swelling so it will keep looking better and better for months.

There is only one suture per side, weaved through the skin. It is secured at each end with a steristrip. It will be removed in 6-7 days.

You can shower the evening following the procedure. You can wash your hair and get your face wet. I usually allow you to exercise after one week. You can be up walking around immediately.

It does not correct or change your eyebrow position. It also does not correct upper lid ptosis – meaning it does not help the eyelid position, but rather decreases the upper eyelid skin above it.

Want to discuss this further? Call my at 703-406-2444 to schedule your complimentary, private consultation with me – I’d be happy to help you find the right solution for you!